Chapter 262: Subjugation Meeting, Before Departure

Chapter 262: Chapter 262: Subjugation Meeting, Before Departure

The atmosphere in the conference room was so heavy you could cut it with a knife.

Justin Brooks, Jasper Drake, and a dozen or so other representatives who had gained the status of Player were gathered together.

All eyes were focused on the middle-aged man at the head of the long table.

He was the director of Vorlag City’s Sector One Safe Zone, Wesley Moore.

Wesley Moore dispensed with the pleasantries and cut straight to the chase.

His voice was steady, yet it carried an undeniable sense of urgency:

"According to the latest intelligence from Philip Jensen’s scout team, we’ve confirmed that after destroying and ’devouring’ the Kaelen Safe Zone, the [Monster Rabbit] is currently in a dormant state of digestion.

This is our only chance to eliminate it. Once the [Monster Rabbit] finishes digesting and becomes active again, its next target will undoubtedly be our Vorlag City Safe Zone.

At that point, we will face the terror of the [Monster Rabbit] head-on!"

Wesley Moore looked around at everyone present.

"Therefore, we must strike first! The safe zone will immediately issue a recruitment order to assemble all willing Players into an expeditionary force.

But you all must understand, the core fighting force and the main assault will be handled by our well-trained military Players! Civilian Players will primarily serve in support and coordination roles, compensating for our lack of manpower and diverse Special Abilities."

Justin Brooks spoke up then, asking, "Director Moore, I heard you’ve already requested support from the Central Base?"

"That’s right."

Wesley Moore nodded, and the news lifted the spirits of many in the room.

"The [Monster Rabbit] is the first special monster to appear on Azure Star with the ability to destroy an entire city. Its threat level is extremely high.

After receiving our emergency report, the Central Base has taken this matter very seriously and decided to dispatch several powerful official Players as reinforcements. By my calculations, the reinforcements from the Central Base should be arriving soon."

Hearing that powerful reinforcements were coming from the Central Base, the oppressive atmosphere in the conference room eased considerably, replaced by a glimmer of hope.

Wesley Moore looked at Justin Brooks and Jasper Drake and issued specific orders:

"Justin, Jasper, I’m entrusting the recruitment of civilian Players to you. Make sure you clearly explain the risks; it must be completely voluntary. At the same time, the safe zone won’t let everyone risk their lives for nothing."

As he spoke, he turned specifically to Justin Brooks:

"Those special cold-weather clothes you brought back from your last instance were a godsend. They will be given out as a basic reward, with priority distribution to all volunteers who join the expedition. In this extreme cold, they are essential for survival."

Justin Brooks replied solemnly, "Understood! I’ll arrange for their distribution immediately."

Wesley Moore then turned his gaze to Jasper Drake:

"Jasper, one more important task. According to old maps, there are several large canned food processing plants not far from the outskirts of Kaelen. During the expedition, you need to find an opportunity to investigate them. If conditions permit, bring back as much canned food as you can. Our safe zone’s food reserves... are almost depleted."

Jasper Drake’s brow furrowed slightly. "The fast-growing crops I’ve been cultivating with my Ability—is the yield still not enough to keep up with consumption?"

Wesley Moore shook his head. "It’s a drop in the bucket. Far from enough. The consumption of tens of thousands of people is a bottomless pit. We must find more, and more stable, food sources."

...

The recruitment order was quickly broadcast and posted on bulletin boards throughout the safe zone.

Seraphina Sullivan gazed at the sternly worded notice on the bulletin board and let out a soft sigh. "What’s coming has finally come."

Without much hesitation, she and Sean Chandler went to sign up.

She knew very well that running away wouldn’t solve the problem.

’If we don’t go to the front line and deal with this threat proactively, then once the Monster Rabbit comes knocking at our door, everyone will be forced into the fight. The situation would only become more reactive and far more dangerous.’

’By gathering so many Players and the official forces now, at least we can retain some shred of initiative.’

’Besides,’ Seraphina calculated,

’with so many Players and official forces present, we’ll probably be responsible for the periphery and support roles. The risk should be relatively manageable.’

Seraphina had her own considerations as well. ’And along the way, this is a perfect opportunity to gather some supplies. Those canning factories on the outskirts of Kaelen... If I can find some, it would be great for both filling up my Space and helping the safe zone with its food shortage.’

This time, for reasons both public and private, she had to go.

...

「The next day.」

All the Players who had volunteered for the expedition against the [Monster Rabbit] were assembled before the gates at the safe zone’s exit.

The number of volunteers was smaller than expected, only a dozen or so people.

Most Players chose to huddle within the safety of the zone.

The faces of those who did show up bore varying degrees of nervousness, determination, and a hint of anticipation.

The group was clearly divided into two parts.

On one side was the military Player team led by Jasper Drake. They were strictly disciplined, standing in silent formation like unsheathed swords, exuding a reassuring, professional Aura.

On the other side were the volunteer Players from the safe zone, led by Justin Brooks. The atmosphere was more relaxed, but no one was being disruptive.

Justin Brooks’s gaze swept over the faces of those willing to step forward for the safe zone. He took a deep breath, and his clear voice carried through the cold wind:

"First, on behalf of the safe zone and the people of Vorlag City’s Sector One Safe Zone, I want to express my utmost respect and sincerest gratitude to all you volunteers! Thank you for your willingness to step forward in this time of crisis!"

As his voice fell, scattered applause broke out from the crowd, quickly growing more enthusiastic.

Some of the more chivalrous Players shouted in response:

"Don’t be so formal, Captain Brooks! It’s our duty! Now that we have Abilities, we should give back to society and protect everyone!"

"That’s right! We all know if the lips are gone, the teeth will be cold! If we don’t act now, no one will be safe when the Monster Rabbit is at our doorstep!"

"For the safe zone! Let’s do this!"

Justin Brooks raised a hand to quiet the crowd and continued his morale-boosting speech:

"Everyone, rest assured! We are not going into this blindly. We have already formulated a detailed plan of action for dealing with the [Monster Rabbit]. And I have some good news for all of you."

Justin deliberately raised his voice. "After receiving our request for aid, the Central Base has taken this very seriously and has dispatched several powerful official Players to support us. This time, by combining our strengths, we will definitely eliminate that monster for good!"

This news was like a boulder dropped into a calm lake, instantly causing a massive stir among the volunteers!

"Is that true? The Central Base is really sending people?"

"That’s great! I knew it! The government wouldn’t abandon any of us!"

"Which experts are coming? Have you heard any of their names?"

"Now I feel much more confident!"

The tension and unease that had permeated the group was largely washed away by this shot of adrenaline, replaced by confidence and anticipation.